“Warm and Peaceful with just the perfect level of hospitality” (Reviewed November 4, 2011)

My wife, two girls and I spent a few days at El Portal in August this year as part of the end of our three week US west coast trip. Above all other locations on our journey this was clearly our favourite. We felt at home from the moment we arrived and really appreciated the warm welcome and very comfortable surroundings our accommodation had to offer. Our fresh cooked breakfast was top class too. (Shane K, Dublin, Ireland)

Room Tip:Enjoy the seduction of nature on the balcony at night.

“Our stay was too short” (Reviewed November 5, 2011)

My wife and I really enjoyed staying at this property. The room was really nicely designed and laid out. We had a great fire in the fireplace. The staff is really friendly and knowledgeable. We were even given a lift to a trailhead for a hike and picked up as well. Food was really good too. We can’t wait to return and stay longer. (John R, Phoenix, AZ)

“Romantic and Dog-friendly Is Actually Possible” (Reviewed November 10, 2011)

For our anniversary weekend we were down in Sedona this year, we decided to take along our 100-lb dog, which we figured would limit us a bit on where we could stay and how romantic our weekend would be. El Portal ended up being a lovely alternative to other typical dog-friendly hotels (shabby motels or overpriced chain hotels). Warm and personal, each room is decorated in a nicely consistent Southwestern-adobe style, and the lovely Spanish tiles mean that they don’t sacrifice style and beauty in order to keep a dog-friendly place clean.

The prices certainly weren’t on the cheap side, but the owners made our stay special (and the price worthwhile) with attentive service, clean rooms, and lovely little personal touches in the bathroom (some of the best shampoo and conditioner I’ve run across in a hotel), along with an adorable treat basket for the dog. Our room was a very nice size, and it felt homey and welcoming. Even though we’re from Arizona, cowboy kitch isn’t exactly my cup of tea, but this was done too tastefully for me to hate it — even with those silly cowhide pillows. And I loved the adobe finish on the walls.

Because we were on the bottom floor, right near the public room and the courtyard, it was a tad noisy, but overall, we never really felt put upon by the noise (and I’m pretty noise sensitive). They also have a breakfast restaurant on site with some limited offerings, but the quality of the food is pretty decent — comparable to the place in the shopping area a few minutes’ walk away.

The location was perfect for us. We were able to walk around downtown Sedona with our dog (and everyone was really sweet and friendly to him) without ever having to get in the car, and there are a lot of perfectly lovely hikes in the hills just a few minutes away. I think we’ll definitely consider coming back here, and we’re SO grateful that the owners have made such a welcoming, romantic environment for couples with dogs! (T0tallytrippin’, Flagstaff, AZ)

Venture out, visit Sedona and stay with us. Our guests have access to personalized concierge services for Sedona and area, we will help you plan your hike, take in a concert, visit ruins, whatever you’re up to.